200 | 300 | 400 | Graduate Courses

Air Force Aerospace Studies
www.iastate.edu/~airforce/

Michael J. Artese, Chair of Department
Professors: Artese
Assistant Professors (Adjunct): Barclay
Instructors (Adjunct): Greenfield

Undergraduate Study
The objectives of the Department of Air Force Aerospace Studies are to provide qualified students the opportunity to earn a commission as an officer in the active duty Air Force, and to build better citizens for those not interested in joining the Air Force.

The curriculum is divided into two basic phases, the general military course (GMC) and the professional officer course (POC). The GMC is introductory and consists of four consecutive 1-hour courses normally taken during the freshman and sophomore years. GMC completion is not a prerequisite for entry into the POC, although it is recommended by the department.

Prior to entry into the POC, most students complete field training at an Air Force base. Students who have completed the GMC participate in a 4-week program, which provides a concentrated experience in the Air Force environment. The training program includes junior officer training, aircraft and aircrew orientation, career orientation, survival training, an introduction to typical base functions, and physical training. A 5-and 7-week training program is provided for those students entering the POC who did not complete the GMC. This program includes all that is offered in the 4-week program, plus academic and leadership laboratory experiences included in the on-campus GMC courses.

Selection for the professional officer course is on a competitive basis, and cadets enrolling in this course must meet certain academic, mental, physical, and moral standards. Qualified cadets may be selected as flight candidates and receive flight instruction prior to attending Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). Upon enrollment in the POC, all cadets are required to complete a contractual agreement with the Air Force, which obligates them to 4 years of active duty as an officer in the United States Air Force. Air Force active duty commitment is 10 years for pilots and 6 years for navigators. Uniforms and AFROTC texts are supplied to the cadets, and those in the POC receive a subsistence allowance between $350-$400 per month.

Students who fail to observe the contract terms may be called to active duty in an enlisted grade or be required to repay monies received from the Air Force.

Air Force ROTC scholarships are available and provide payment of full tuition and fees. In addition, Scholarship cadets receive between $250-$400 monthly subsistence allowance and $510 per year book allowance. Upon acceptance of a scholarship, the student executes a contract with the Air Force. Scholarships can be awarded for periods of 2, 3, or 4 years, with up to 1 additional year for qualified applicants in selected majors. To determine eligibility and initiate application procedures for the scholarship program, interested students should contact the department.

Entry into the program is not dependent on departmental major or year in the university. The AFROTC program is open to both male and female students.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a minor in military studies. Requirements for the minor include taking a minimum of 15 credit hours of ROTC instruction, which may be taken from one or a number of the ROTC programs. At least 6 credit hours must be in courses numbered 300 or above.

Courses Primarily for Undergraduate Students
AFAS 101. Leadership Laboratory I. (0-2) Cr. 1. F. Air Force customs and courtesies; drill and ceremonies, issuing military commands, instructing, directing and evaluating the preceding skills, studying the environment of an Air Force officer and learning about areas of opportunity available to commissioned officers. This laboratory is required if taking AFAS 141 and considering application in the POC. Leadership Laboratory is open to students who are members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps or are eligible to pursue a commission as determined by the professor of aerospace studies. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

AFAS 102. Leadership Laboratory I. (0-2) Cr. 1. S. Air Force customs and courtesies; drill and ceremonies, issuing military commands, instructing, directing and evaluating the preceding skills, studying the environment of an Air Force officer and learning about areas of opportunity available to commissioned officers. This laboratory is required if taking AFAS 142 and considering application in the POC. Leadership Laboratory is open to students who are members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps or are eligible to pursue a commission as determined by the professor of aerospace studies. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

AFAS 141. The United States Air Force Today. (1-0) Cr. 1. F. Survey course designed to introduce cadets to the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. Featured topics include: mission and organization of the Air Force, officership and professionalism, military customs and courtesies, Air Force officer opportunities, and an introducation to communication skills. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences.

AFAS 142. The United States Air Force Today. (1-0) Cr. 1. S. Survey course designed to introduce cadets to the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. Featured topics include: mission and organization of the Air Force, officership and professionalism, military customs and courtesies, Air Force officer opportunities, and an introduction to communication skills. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences.

AFAS 201. Leadership Laboratory II. (0-2) Cr. 1. F. Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, issuing military commands, instructing, directing, and evaluating the preceding skills, the environment of an Air Force officer and learning about areas of opportunity available to commissioned officers. Continued military training related to wearing the uniform, engaging in military customs and courtesies, and participating in military ceremonies. This laboratory is required if taking AFAS 241 and applying for the POC. Leadership Laboratory is open to students who are members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps or are eligible to pursue a commission as determined by the professor of aerospace studies. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

AFAS 202. Leadership Laboratory II. (0-2) Cr. 1. S. Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, issuing military commands, instructing, directing, and evaluating the preceding skills, the environment of an Air Force officer and learning about areas of opportunity available to commissioned officers. Continued military training related to wearing the uniform, engaging in military customs and courtesies, and participating in military ceremonies. This laboratory is required if taking AFAS 242 and applying for the POC. Leadership Laboratory is open to students who are members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps or are eligible to pursue a commission as determined by the professor of aerospace studies. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

AFAS 241. The Development of Air Power. (1-0) Cr. 1. F. Examines the general aspects of air and space power through a historical perspective. Utilizing this perspective, the course covers a time period from the first balloons and dirigibles to the space-age global positioning systems of the Persian Gulf War. Historical examples are provided to extrapolate the development of Air Force capabilities (competencies), and missions (functions) to demonstrate the evolution of what has become today’s USAF air and space power.

AFAS 242. The Development of Air Power. (1-0) Cr. 1. S. Examines the general aspects of air and space power through a historical perspective. Utilizing this perspective, the course covers a time period from the first balloons and dirigibles to the space-age global positioning systems of the Persian Gulf War. Historical examples are provided to extrapolate the development of Air Force capabilities (competencies), and missions (functions) to demonstrate the evolution of what has become today’s USAF air and space power.

AFAS 301. Leadership Laboratory III. (0-3) Cr. 1. F. Advanced leadership experiences involving the planning and controlling of the military activities of the AFROTC cadet corps, the preparation and presentation of briefings and other oral and written communications, and the providing of interviews, guidance, and information that will increase the understanding, motivation, and performance of other cadets. This lab is required if taking AFAS 341 and pursuing a commission. Leadership Laboratory is open to students who are members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps or are eligible to pursue a commission as determined by the professor of aerospace studies. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

AFAS 302. Leadership Laboratory III. (0-3) Cr. 1. S. Advanced leadership experiences involving the planning and controlling of the military activities of the AFROTC cadet corps, the preparation and presentation of briefings and other oral and written communications, and the providing of interviews, guidance, and information that will increase the understanding, motivation, and performance of other cadets. This lab is required if taking AFAS 342 and pursuing a commission. Leadership Laboratory is open to students who are members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps or are eligible to pursue a commission as determined by the professor of aerospace studies. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

AFAS 341. Air Force Management and Leadership. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. A study of leadership, management fundamentals, professional knowledge, Air Force personnel and evaluation systems, leadership ethics, and the communication skills required of an Air Force junior officer. Case studies are used to examine Air Force leadership and management situations as a means of demonstrating and exercising practical application of the concepts being studied.

AFAS 342. Air Force Management and Leadership. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. A study of leadership, management fundamentals, professional knowledge, Air Force personnel and evaluation systems, leadership ethics, and the communication skills required of an Air Force junior officer. Case studies are used to examine Air Force leadership and management situations as a means of demonstrating and exercising practical application of the concepts being studied.

AFAS 401. Leadership Laboratory IV. (0-3) Cr. 1. F. Advanced leadership experiences involving the planning and controlling of the military activities of the AFROTC cadet corps, the preparation and presentation of briefings and other oral and written communications, and the providing of interviews, guidance, and information that will increase the understanding, motivation, and performance of other cadets. This lab is required if taking AFAS 441 and pursuing a commission. Leadership Laboratory is open to students who are members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps or are eligible to pursue a commission as determined by the professor of aerospace studies. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

AFAS 402. Leadership Laboratory IV. (0-3) Cr. 1. S. Advanced leadership experiences involving the planning and controlling of the military activities of the AFROTC cadet corps, the preparation and presentation of briefings and other oral and written communications, and the providing of interviews, guidance, and information that will increase the understanding, motivation, and performance of other cadets. This lab is required if taking AFAS 442 and pursuing a commission. Leadership Laboratory is open to students who are members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps or are eligible to pursue a commission as determined by the professor of aerospace studies. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

AFAS 441. National Security Forces in Contemporary American Society. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 342 or permission of instructor. Examines the national security process, regional studies, advanced leadership ethics, and Air Force doctrine. Special topics of interest focus on the military as a profession, officership, military justice, civilian control of the military, preparation for active duty, and current issues affecting military professionalism. Within this structure, continued emphasis is given to refining communication skills.

AFAS 442. National Security Forces in Contemporary American Society. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 342 or permission of instructor. Examines the national security process, regional studies, advanced leadership ethics, and Air Force doctrine. Special topics of interest focus on the military as a profession, officership, military justice, civilian control of the military, preparation for active duty, and current issues affecting military professionalism. Within this structure, continued emphasis is given to refining communication skills.